Three workmen lifting ventilation unit caused platform collapse

Leyland SDM (LSDM) Limited has been fined £450,000 after four workers fell more 3.5m whilst carrying a ventilation unit.

Westminster Magistrates Court heard how LSDM were redeveloping a warehouse in London. When four workers were moving a ventilation unit into position the working platform on which they were working was overloaded and collapsed.

The work at height and lifting operations were not planned properly. Two of the four injured men suffered leg fractures, while a broken collar-bone were among the other injuries caused by the incident.

HSE investigators found the company failed to manage the risks when working at height and carrying out the lifting operation.

The company also failed to have the right level of trained personnel and supervision in place to carry out these tasks safely and effectively.

Importance of planning work

LSDM of Fourth Way, Wembley pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 6 (3) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and Regulation 4 (1) of the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 they have been fined £450,000 and ordered to pay costs of £1038.

Speaking after the hearing HSE inspector Jack Wilby said:

“The safety failings by this company are severe and it is lucky that the injuries were not more severe.

This incident highlights the importance of planning work, in this case both for lifting operations and working from height, to ensure it is carried out safely.”